A magician who charged a community centre £400 for a show he never performed has apologised and promised refunds after similar complaints surfaced across the UK.
A magician has apologised after failing to appear for a £400 show he was paid to perform at a Southport community fair. According to a report from THE DAILY MIRROR, Dean Spruce, who runs Divine Magic, contacted Crossens Community Centre in April offering “wonderful entertainment” for their Summer Fair, including a magic and bubble show, workshops, and “walkround magic.”
Fiona Townsend, vice chair of the Crossens Community Association, said they paid the full amount and expected the performance. However, on the day of the fair, Spruce messaged saying his brother had died and he had to return to Scotland. Five months later, the centre has only received £100 back despite repeated promises of repayment.
Reports from The Press and Journal indicate Spruce has taken bookings from other centres across the UK, allegedly making “excuses” such as car accidents or illness to avoid events while attending others.
Spruce told the Daily Mirror: “I’m sorry for what has happened and Crossens will have been refunded £200 by the time of this article. I am working hard to refund everyone. I could have handled it better and I’m sorry.”
The Crossens Community Association confirmed the incident has not been reported to police.